To provide a cushion to the barefooted migrant workers and other daily wage earners walking on the heated roads in summer, Dhanbad district administration, in association with the Federation of Dhanbad Zila Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FDZCCI) launched a Chappal bank on Monday, to carry out free distribution of slippers for those in need.

The SDO inaugurated the Chappal Bank at Birsa Munda Chowk of during a function, in the presence of FDZCCI president Chetan Goenka.

“Ever since the beginning of the lockdown we have launched Koi bhi bhukha na rahe programme as phase I of our welfare activity to provide food to all and ensure that nobody remains hungry,” said Dhanbad sub divisional officer, Raj Maheshwaram.

“Gradually we realized that many people, including those coming through the pravasi express trains, are compelled to walk barefeet home; thus we have decided to launch the Chappal bank. Traders of the district, under the banner of FDZCCI, have extended full support due to which we have started distributing slippers to all the needy people” said Singh.

“The bank will remain in operation in the district providing slippers to the needy in both rural and urban areas,” said Maheshwaram.

“We have launched the bank in association with district administration as part of the dream project of the SDO, and have distributed altogether 500 pairs of slippers during the inaugural day today,” Chetan Goenka said.

President of Purana Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Md Sohrab who was also present, said.

“We have procured sufficient stock of slippers both for the men and women. Nobody will be deprived as we will be replenishing our stock with new consignment once the existing stock is exhausted,” said secretary of FDZCCI, Ajay Narayan Lal.

Former president of FDZCC, Rajesh Kumar Gupta, who is also the president of book traders association Pustak Vyavsai Sangh said, “All the traders of the district are very eager to continue the drive and ensure that their fellow brother does not have to walk barefooted.”